Stephens too good for Osaka in WTA finals

Lorena Waters

Both women are making their debuts at the season-ending event, and it was the American who opened Red Group action with a win built on the foundations of solid defense from the baseline and a devastating forehand when she attacked.

After trading early breaks, the match settled down as the pair enjoyed more success on serve, until Stephens, content to adopt a patient approach from the baseline, broke again in the seventh game when Osaka made a slew of unforced errors.

"I just tried my very best from the first point in the third set and it didn't go my way immediately but I just kept battling", she said after the match.

The former world No. 1 is to be joined in the last four by either Elina Svitolina or defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, who were to complete White Group play later yesterday.

Stevens in the first winning match at the Final tournament has not filed a single ACE, made 6 double faults, scored 7 out of 19 break points, made 19 winnersof with 31 unforced the blot.

The 2017 victor defeated the fellow debutant 7-5 4-6 6-1 in two hours and 24 minutes in Singapore.

The American struggled mid-match, but fought back from an early break in the third set to prevail 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3 in 2 hours, 20 minutes.

It has been a whirlwind for Osaka since her stunning victory over Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows in September.

Hondurans Continue to Make Harrowing Journey to USEven though the goal is to reach the USA border, she said: "We only want to work and if a job turns up in Mexico , I would do it. Maria Teresa Orellana, a resident of the neighborhood of Lorenzo handed out free sandals to the migrants as they passed.

It was the result crowd favourite Osaka needed after she fell to number one seed Angelique Kerber in a three-set classic to put her on the brink of elimination. She blinked ever so slightly as Stephens picked off two games on the spin to close the gap, before Osaka levelled things up. "I feel like for me I play better when no one knows what I'm thinking".

The three-time major victor appeared to increase her command on proceedings when she broke Bertens at the start of the second set but her 26-year-old opponent hit back to break twice to force a third set.

The world number nine - in Singapore after an injury to Simona Halep - was a set and a break down to top seed Kerber at one stage, with the Wimbledon champion seemingly set for a comprehensive opening victory. "This match was sort of a continuation of my last match in a way. that I didn't serve well".

The 21-year-old displayed her frustration, with a shrugging gesture, when she squandered four break points in the fourth game of the second set but recovered to break at the next opportunity to move 4-2 ahead.

WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas Forecast October 26, 2018Oct 26, 2018 - 04:32
USA crude oil exports averaged 2.2 million barrels per day last week, up by 398,000 barrels per day from the previous week. USA crude rose to $67.46, up 64 cents. " Saudi Arabia produces only what its customers ask for, not more".

"Halloween" boasts biggest opening ever for female-led horror flickOct 24, 2018 - 05:00
Cast member Jamie Lee Curtis poses at a premiere for the movie " Halloween " in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 17, 2018. The film totaled $8.6 million on its second weekend in cinemas and ended up in a awful fifth place behind Goosebumps 2 .

Prince Harry Hopes his Baby With Meghan Markle is a GirlOct 24, 2018 - 02:02
What's more, the Duchess's tour style has been well within the bounds of royal protocol - until yesterday, day seven on the tour. The Duchess of Sussex revealed the clearest look yet at her blossoming baby bump as she donned a attractive blue dress in Fiji.

30 injured as dancefloor falls through during SC partyOct 24, 2018 - 00:43
Disaster struck during a party at a university event on Saturday night, when a floor collapsed under dozens of party-goers in SC . Tester said emergency responders were there in just minutes, and he saw people holding their arms or with bloody legs.

Messi's absence opens El Clasico door for DembeleOct 24, 2018 - 00:04
As Real Madrid are proving in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, a striker's goals are hard to replace but so too is the aura. The major disappointment is that Messi will miss the match against Real Madrid on October 28.

Purdue erupts in 29-point defeat of No. 2 Ohio StateOct 22, 2018 - 07:25
Purdue jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 1:10 left in the first quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Blough to Issac Zico. The 5-foot-7 running back totaled 128 yards on 16 carries, his third 100-yard game of the season and second in a row.

LeBron says Lakers chemistry is not like 'instant oatmeal'Oct 20, 2018 - 05:40
While the 2018 Lakers are still full of questions, there's little doubt that James is still the best player in basketball . Less than 20 seconds later, James came through the lane to throw down another rim-rattling dunk.